Jury convicts man for shooting at family gathering

A Boone County jury convicted a man of numerous charges related to a shooting at a family gathering in 2016.

The jury found Gary Jolley guilty of the five felonies unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree domestic assault, burglary and two counts of armed criminal action after a three-day trial. He was further convicted of two misdemeanors: third-degree domestic assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Columbia police arrested Jolley in 2016 after he shot through the back door of his family’s house with on Ballenger Lane while 14 people were inside. Prosecutors said Jolley wanted to kill his wife shortly after she separated from him. Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Caldera said his granddaughter wrestled the semi-automatic rifle away from Jolley after he entered the home.

Defense attorneys argued that Jolley suffered from a diminished mental capacity at the time. Caldera said Jolley had been previously abusive during his marriage.

Judge Kevin Crane will sentence Jolley to prison on March 18 at 2:30 p.m.

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